Dynamic configuration of unlimited service for roaming subscriber

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and apparatus are presented for enabling unlimited roaming service on a roaming partner switch. In one aspect, a method includes configuring a billing system corresponding to a home wireless service provider to authorize a subscriber device to receive unlimited roaming service on a roaming partner switch; receiving, by the home wireless service provider, a registration request from the roaming partner switch identifying the subscriber device; registering the subscriber device in the billing system as an unlimited roaming service subscriber device; and providing unlimited roaming service to the subscriber device. Further, a call request associated with the subscriber device can be received from the roaming partner switch and billing associated with the call request can be suspended.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/584,726, entitled DYNAMIC CONFIGURATION OF UNLIMITED SERVICE FORROAMING SUBSCRIBER, and filed Aug. 13, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.8,644,819; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/422,102, entitled DYNAMIC CONFIGURATION OF UNLIMITED SERVICE FORROAMING SUBSCRIBER, and filed Apr. 10, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No.8,244,238; which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/044,367, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SINGLE STATEDIALING WHILE ROAMING, and filed Apr. 11, 2008, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/101,619, entitled DYNAMIC CONFIGURATION OFUNLIMITED SERVICE FOR ROAMING SUBSCRIBER, and filed Sep. 30, 2008, theentireties of which are incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to telecommunications systems, e.g., tosystems and methods for dynamically configuring a wirelesscommunications system to provide unlimited service to one or moreroaming subscribers.

BACKGROUND

A wireless communications provider can implement one or more homeservice areas in which the wireless communications provider communicatesdirectly with one or more wireless communication devices (also referredto as mobile devices or mobile handsets). Subscribers (or subscriberdevices) receive service directly from the wireless communicationsprovider when they are within the footprint of any of the home serviceareas. For example, a wireless communications provider can implement aservice area encompassing San Diego, Calif. Subscribers of the wirelesscommunications provider thus can be considered to be on the home networkwhen located within the San Diego service area.

A subscriber who is located outside of a home service area is generallyreferred to as roaming. The wireless communications provider cancooperate with one or more third-party service providers to permit itssubscribers to access wireless communications services when they areroaming. For example, the wireless communications provider can establishservice agreements with one or more third-party service providers (orroaming partners), including reciprocal service agreements. Typically, aroaming subscriber is charged additional fees in exchange for accessingwireless communications service through a third-party service provider,such as connection charges and additional air-time fees. Further, one ormore services available to a subscriber through the home network may notbe available to the subscriber when roaming, such as access to accountinformation.

In order to access wireless communications services, such as placingoutgoing telephone calls, receiving incoming telephone calls, andtransmitting/receiving electronic messages, a roaming subscriber mustregister with the third-party service provider operating the network inwhich the subscriber is roaming. One or more details regarding theroaming subscriber can be written into a Visitor Location Register (VLR)maintained by the third-party service provider, such as when the roamingsubscriber enters the third-party service area. The information storedin the VLR can be collected through messaging with the Home LocationRegister (HLR) corresponding to the subscriber. Further, the messagingcan be performed in accordance with an established messaging protocol,such as SS7. For example, the VLR can store the subscriber's identity,such as from a subscriber identity module, authentication data, thesubscriber's telephone number, and the address of the HLR correspondingto the subscriber. The VLR can then communicate with the HLR todetermine whether and what types of service can be provided to theroaming subscriber. Once the roaming subscriber leaves a particularservice area, the information associated with the roaming subscriber canbe deleted from the VLR.

SUMMARY

A telecommunications system, such as a system associated with a homewireless service provider having one or more subscribers, can bedynamically configured to provide unlimited service to one or more ofits subscribers who are roaming (roaming subscribers). The unlimitedservice can encompass any services the subscriber is configured toreceive, including voice, text, and/or data service. Further, thedynamic configuration can be performed such that all settings necessaryto provide unlimited service to a roaming subscriber can be initializedin devices resident on the home wireless service provider's network.Thus, no involvement by a third-party, such as a roaming partner, isrequired beyond the initial configuration of standard roaming services.The dynamic configuration also can be performed such that any changes tothe home wireless service provider's systems to implement unlimitedservice are transparent to the one or more associated roaming partners.In order to permit dynamic configuration of unlimited service forroaming subscribers, the present inventors recognized that unlimitedservice can be enabled on a per switch basis.

The present inventors also recognized a need for providing unlimitedservice on a roaming partner switch only temporarily, such as inconjunction with a special event. For example, unlimited service can beprovided via one or more roaming partner switches during a holiday, inconjunction with a sporting event, in response to a natural disaster, inthe case of a home network outage, or other such events. Further, thepresent inventors recognized a need to provide unlimited service to aroaming subscriber such that the customer experience isindistinguishable from service in a home service area, includingproviding the same access to services and features. Also, the presentinventors recognized a need to provide to roaming subscribers only thoseservices to which the subscriber has access when in a home service area.Additionally, the present inventors recognized that the decision toprovide unlimited service to a roaming subscriber can be made at thetime the roaming subscriber registers with a VLR.

The present inventors also recognized a need to provide unlimitedservice to roaming subscribers through multiple roaming partnerswitches, such as to cover a particular geographic region. Thus,multiple roaming partner switches within a particular geographic regioncan be identified for the provision of unlimited service to roamingsubscribers. Further, the present inventors recognized a need to provideunlimited services only to certain roaming subscribers within aparticular geographic region. Additionally, the present inventorsrecognized a need to permit turning off unlimited service for roamingsubscribers on a per switch basis and doing so independently, such thatthe involvement of a third-party is not required. Accordingly, thetechniques and apparatus described here implement algorithms fordynamically configuring a wireless telecommunications system to provideunlimited service to one or more roaming subscribers.

In general, in one aspect, the techniques can be implemented to includeconfiguring a billing system corresponding to a home wireless serviceprovider to authorize a subscriber device to receive unlimited roamingservice on a roaming partner switch; receiving, by the home wirelessservice provider, a registration request from the roaming partner switchidentifying the subscriber device; registering the subscriber device inthe billing system as an unlimited roaming service subscriber device;and providing unlimited roaming service to the subscriber device.

The techniques also can be implemented to include registering thesubscriber device as a home subscriber device in a home locationregister associated with the home wireless service provider. Further,the techniques can be implemented such that registering the subscriberdevice as a home subscriber device further comprises determining that ahome region parameter associated with the subscriber device correspondsto a geographic location of the roaming partner switch. Additionally,the techniques can be implemented to include notifying the billingsystem, by the home location register, that the subscriber device hasbeen registered as a home subscriber device.

The techniques also can be implemented to include receiving from theroaming partner switch a call request associated with the subscriberdevice and suspending billing associated with the call request. Further,the techniques can be implemented such that suspending billing furthercomprises suppressing a pre-call announcement associated with standardroaming service. Additionally, the techniques can be implemented suchthat suspending billing further comprises suspending an account balanceverification.

The techniques also can be implemented to include receiving aregistration request from the roaming partner switch identifying asecond subscriber device associated with the home wireless serviceprovider; determining, based on the billing system configuration, thatthe second subscriber device is not authorized to receive unlimitedroaming service on the roaming partner switch; and providing standardroaming service to the second subscriber device. Further, the techniquescan be implemented such that registering the subscriber device in thebilling system is performed in real-time. Also, the techniques can beimplemented to include restricting the unlimited roaming serviceprovided to the subscriber device to a subscribed level of service.Additionally, the techniques can be implemented such that the subscribedlevel of service includes unlimited voice service.

In general, in another aspect, the techniques can be implemented as asystem including a home wireless service provider that includes abilling system and a home location register; a roaming partner switchcommunicatively coupled to the home wireless service provider; and asubscriber device associated with the home wireless service provider;wherein the home wireless service provider includes processorelectronics configured to perform operations including authorizing, inthe billing system, the subscriber device to receive unlimited roamingservice on the roaming partner switch; registering, in response toreceiving a registration request identifying the subscriber device fromthe roaming partner switch, the subscriber device in the home locationregister as a home subscriber device and in the billing system as anunlimited roaming service subscriber device; and enabling the provisionof unlimited roaming service to the subscriber device.

The techniques also can be implemented such that the home locationregister is configured to perform operations including determining thata home region parameter associated with the subscriber devicecorresponds to a geographic location of the roaming partner switch.Further, the techniques can be implemented such that the home locationregister is configured to perform operations including transmitting amessage to the billing system, indicating that the subscriber device hasbeen registered as a home subscriber device. Additionally, thetechniques can be implemented such that the processor electronics arefurther configured to perform operations including receiving aregistration request from the roaming partner switch identifying asecond subscriber device associated with the home wireless serviceprovider; determining, based on the billing system configuration, thatthe second subscriber device is not authorized to receive unlimitedroaming service on the roaming partner switch; and providing standardroaming service to the second subscriber device.

The techniques also can be implemented such that the processorelectronics are further configured to perform operations includingreceiving from the roaming partner switch a call request associated withthe subscriber device and suspending billing associated with the callrequest. Further, the techniques can be implemented such that theprocessor electronics are further configured to perform operationsincluding suppressing a pre-call announcement associated with standardroaming service. Additionally, the techniques can be implemented suchthat the processor electronics are further configured to performoperations including suspending an account balance verification.

The techniques also can be implemented such that the processorelectronics are further configured to perform operations includingregistering the subscriber device in the billing system in real-time.Further, the techniques can be implemented such that the processorelectronics are further configured to perform operations includingrestricting the unlimited roaming service enabled for the subscriberdevice to a subscribed level of service. Additionally, the techniquescan be implemented such that the subscribed level of service includesunlimited voice service.

In general, in another aspect, the techniques can be implemented toinclude receiving, by a home wireless service provider, a registrationrequest from a roaming partner switch identifying a subscriber device;registering, by a home location register associated with the homewireless service provider, the subscriber device as a home subscriberdevice based on one or more subscriber values; determining, by a billingsystem associated with the home wireless service provider, that thesubscriber device is eligible to receive unlimited roaming service basedat least in part on the subscriber device being registered as a homesubscriber device; and providing unlimited roaming service to thesubscriber device.

The techniques described in this specification can be implemented torealize one or more of the following potential advantages. For example,the techniques can be implemented such that a subscriber can be providedwith unlimited service even when the subscriber is roaming outside ofthe home wireless service provider's coverage area (or home network).The techniques also can be implemented such that unlimited service canbe provided through a roaming partner switch without requiring theroaming partner to implement any changes once standard roaming servicehas been configured, such as changes to switch settings. Additionally,the techniques can be implemented to permit providing unlimited servicefor roaming subscribers in a manner that is transparent to both thesubscriber and the roaming partner. The techniques also can beimplemented to provide unlimited service in a home service area, such aswhen at least a portion of the infrastructure associated with the homeservice area is unavailable or otherwise rendered inoperable. Forexample, unlimited service can be provided if any portion of theinfrastructure is unavailable as a result of equipment failure, naturaldisaster, or planned maintenance.

The techniques also can be implemented such that a subscriber canreceive the same level of mobile communications services in both homeservice areas and when roaming. The techniques further can beimplemented to include separately determining whether to provideunlimited service for each roaming subscriber who registers with aroaming partner switch. Also, the techniques can be implemented toestablish a virtual home service area for a geographic region in whichthe home wireless service provider has limited or no infrastructure.Further, the techniques can be implemented to include providingunlimited service through multiple roaming partner switches located inan at least partially overlapping geographic region. Additionally, thetechniques can be implemented to permit a home wireless service providerto independently establish unlimited service for its roaming subscribersin one or more geographic regions for a predetermined event, specialoccurrence, advertising promotion, or other such event.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features andadvantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and fromthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example of a telecommunications system that includes ahome service area associated with a wireless communications provider andmultiple roaming service areas.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary flowchart for configuring a system to provideunlimited roaming service on a roaming partner switch.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary telecommunications system configured to enableproviding unlimited roaming service to a roaming subscriber.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary flowchart for registering a mobile devicecorresponding to a roaming subscriber on a roaming partner switch.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary flowchart for a call event initiated by aroaming subscriber.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary flowchart for configuring an unlimited roamingservice area in a geographic region.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary flowchart for a method of enabling unlimitedroaming service on a roaming partner switch.

Like reference symbols indicate like elements throughout thespecification and drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an example of a telecommunications system 100 that includesa home service area 105 associated with a home wireless service providerand multiple roaming service areas. The home service area 105 includeswireless communications infrastructure 110 managed by the home wirelessservice provider. Further, a mobile device 115 registered with the homewireless service provider can be operated in the home service area 105.For example, the mobile device 115 can belong to a subscriber who has anaccount with the home wireless service provider. Inside of the homeservice area 105, the mobile device 115 can be used to access all of thefeatures and services associated with the subscriber's account. Forexample, the subscriber's account can include unlimited incoming andoutgoing local calls, unlimited text, unlimited data, access toprovider-sponsored directory assistance, and provider-based services,such as account management and customer service. Further, the subscribercan be required to pay toll charges for outgoing long distance callsplaced from inside of the home service area 105, but not for air timeassociated with such calls. In some implementations, the home wirelessservice provider can operate a plurality of home service areas.

The telecommunications system 100 also can include a first roamingservice area 120 associated with a first roaming partner. A roamingpartner can be any service provider who will route service requestsplaced by roaming subscribers to their home wireless service provider(or home network). The first roaming service area 120 can includewireless communications infrastructure 125 managed by the first roamingpartner. A mobile device 130 associated with a roaming subscriber, suchas a subscriber registered with the home wireless service provider, canbe operated in the first roaming service area 120. The first roamingservice area 120 can be configured as a conventional roaming area, inwhich the roaming subscriber has limited or no access to one or more ofthe features and services associated with the subscriber's account thatare accessible when the subscriber is located in a home service area,such as the home service area 105. Also, the roaming subscriber can berequired to pay additional fees, such as data charges and air timecharges for any outgoing calls placed and incoming calls received whilein the first roaming service area 120.

Additionally, the telecommunications system 100 can include a secondroaming service area 135 associated with a second roaming partner. Insome implementations, the first roaming service area 120 and the secondroaming service area 135 can be associated with the same roamingpartner. The second roaming service area 135 can include wirelesscommunications infrastructure 140 managed by the second roaming partner.A mobile device 145 associated with a roaming subscriber, such as asubscriber registered with the home wireless service provider, can beoperated in the second roaming service area 135.

The second roaming service area 135 can be configured as an unlimitedroaming area, which can provide a roaming subscriber with a similar oridentical customer experience to that provided in a home service area,such as the home service area 105. For example, a roaming subscriber inan unlimited roaming area can be permitted to make unlimited incomingand outgoing local calls, transmit and receive unlimited text and data,access provider-sponsored directory assistance, and utilizeprovider-based services, such as account management and customerservice. Further, pre-call announcements and messages typicallypresented to a subscriber accessing service in a roaming area can besuppressed in an unlimited roaming area. Verification measuresimplemented to authorize service in roaming areas, such as accountbalance inquiries, also can be suspended for a subscriber accessingservice in an unlimited roaming area. Additionally, the presentation ofone or more roaming indicators, such as a visual indicator displayed onthe screen of a mobile device, can be turned off in an unlimited roamingarea. For example, the display of the mobile device 145 will beidentical in both the second roaming service area 135 and the homeservice area 105. Thus, an unlimited roaming area can be made to appearas though it is part of the home wireless service provider's homenetwork to at least some subscribers.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary flowchart for configuring a system to provideunlimited roaming service on a roaming partner switch. The configurationprocess can be performed solely by the home wireless service provider,once standard roaming service has been enabled on the roaming partnerswitch. Thus, unlimited roaming service can be implemented on a roamingpartner switch without necessitating any configuration changes by theroaming partner. Because no configuration changes to the roamingpartner's infrastructure are required, unlimited roaming service can beimplemented such that it is transparent to the corresponding roamingpartner. Additionally, unlimited roaming service can be turned on andoff in real-time, and does not require any configuration changes to bepropagated to other systems or devices.

A roaming partner switch on which unlimited roaming service is to beprovided can be selected (205). A unique switch identifier correspondingto each selected roaming partner switch can be identified. In someimplementations, a roaming partner switch can be selected in response toa desire to provide unlimited roaming service in a particular geographicarea, such as a local, regional, or national area. For example, in orderto provide unlimited roaming services in the Kingman, Ariz. area, thehome wireless service provider can select one or more switches in theKingman area that are operated by one or more roaming partners. In someother implementations, a roaming partner switch can be selected inresponse to a business relationship, such as a partnership between thehome wireless service provider and the corresponding roaming partner.For example, each of the switches operated by a particular roamingpartner can be selected for unlimited roaming service.

One or more subscribers permitted to receive unlimited roaming serviceon the selected roaming partner switch can be determined (210). In someimplementations, all subscribers can by default be permitted to receiveunlimited roaming services on a roaming partner switch. In some otherimplementations, it can be determined that only particular subscribersare to receive unlimited roaming service on a particular roaming partnerswitch. For example, subscribers whose home market coincides with theroaming partner switch can be permitted to receive unlimited roamingservices, while subscribers associated with other home markets canreceive standard roaming service. Subscribers can be distinguished basedon any number of criteria for which data is available to the homewireless service provider, including service plan, billing plan, andhome market.

The billing system can be configured to permit unlimited roaming serviceon the selected roaming partner switch (215). The home wireless serviceprovider's billing system can be used to control which roaming partnerswitches can be used to provide unlimited roaming service. For example,a database hosting information about a plurality of switches, includingroaming partner switches, can be accessible to the billing system. Thedatabase can be local to the billing system or can be accessible at aremote location via a communications connection. Further, each switchcan be described by a unique switch identifier, such as a mobileswitching center identification number (MSCID). Thus, the recordcorresponding to the selected roaming partner switch can be accessed inthe database and an attribute value, such as an unlimited roamingservice identifier, can be set to indicate that unlimited roamingservice is permitted on the selected roaming partner switch. Forexample, the unlimited roaming service identifier can be set to yes orno. In some implementations, if the selected roaming partner switch isnot technically compatible with the provision of unlimited roamingservice, the unlimited roaming service identifier can be set to “no” andlocked to prevent change. Further, in some implementations, theunlimited roaming service identifier can be implemented using agraphical widget, such as a checkbox, to permit unlimited roamingservice to be enabled or disabled with respect to a particular roamingpartner switch in a single operation, such as a mouse-click.

Additionally, the HLR can be configured to permit one or moresubscribers to register as home users with respect to the selectedroaming partner switch (220). The HLR can control the type ofregistration for a subscriber, such as by classifying the registrationas “home” or “roam.” A subscriber registered as home can receiveunlimited roaming service, while a subscriber registered as roam isprovided with standard roaming service. In some implementations, thedecision to classify a subscriber as home or roam can be made based on ahome region parameter setting associated with the roaming partnerswitch. For example, an MSC Definition File (MDF) can include one ormore home region parameters that are allocated as home regions for theroaming partner switch. Further, a home region parameter in the MDF canbe modified to indicate that subscribers of the home wireless serviceprovider who are roaming on that roaming partner switch are to beregistered as home users and thus provided with unlimited roamingservice for the duration of the registration.

The HLR also can determine whether to classify a subscriber as home orroam based on one or more subscriber level values. In someimplementations, the home region parameter associated with a subscribercan be accessed to determine whether the subscriber's home marketcoincides with that of the roaming partner switch on which thesubscriber is being registered. For example, the HLR can be configuredto register a roaming subscriber as home only if they are within ageographic area that corresponds to their home market. One or more otherparameters associated with the subscriber also can be used in making thehome or roam classification, including the subscriber's service plan andthe subscriber's billing plan.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary telecommunications system 300 configured toenable providing unlimited roaming service to a roaming subscriber. Thetelecommunications system 300 includes at least one mobile device 305,such as a mobile telephone, smart phone, or personal digital assistant.The mobile device 305 can have an account, such as a prepaid serviceaccount, on a home network 315 operated by a home wireless serviceprovider. The telecommunications system 300 also can include a switch310 associated with a roaming partner. The mobile device 305 does nothave an account with the roaming partner that operates the switch 310.Thus, the mobile device 305 is roaming in the coverage area associatedwith the switch 310. Further, the mobile device 305 communicates withthe switch 310 wirelessly, such as through radio frequencytransmissions.

The home network 315 included in the telecommunications system 300 canhave a Signal Transfer Point (STP) 320 that is configured to route oneor more messages. For example, the STP 320 and the switch 310 cancommunicate with one another over a wireless or wired communication linkthrough signaling. The STP can be implemented using a commerciallyavailable router, such as the Tekelec Eagle 5 Integrated SignalingSystem. In some implementations, the SS7 signaling protocol can be usedfor communications between the STP 320 and the switch 310. The homenetwork 315 also can include a billing system 325, which can be used tostore information regarding one or more subscriber accounts and one ormore switches. For example, the billing system 325 can includeinformation indicating the call activity, account balance, service plan,including text and/or data service, and available services correspondingto a subscriber account. Further, the billing system 325 can host orotherwise provide access to a database that stores informationdescribing one or more switches, including information indicatingwhether a switch can be used to provide unlimited roaming service toroaming subscribers.

The billing system 325 can be implemented using a single computingplatform or using a virtual device that includes multiple computingplatforms. Further, the billing system 325 can include one or moreinternal storage devices and/or external storage devices. In someimplementations, the portion of the billing system 325 that performsmanagement of roaming subscribers and calls can be replaced by aseparate system. In such implementations, the billing functions can beimplemented in a separate billing system.

Additionally, the home network 315 included in the telecommunicationssystem 300 can have an HLR 330, which can be configured to store dataassociated with each of the subscribers authorized to access the homenetwork 315. For example, the HLR 330 can store informationcharacterizing the registration of a roaming subscriber on a roamingpartner switch. The HLR 330 can be implemented using a single computingplatform or using a virtual device that includes multiple computingplatforms. Further, the HLR 330 can include internal storage devicesand/or external storage devices. Additionally, the HLR 330 canincorporate a learned routing functionality, such that the HLR 330 candetermine that its relationship with a roaming partner is managedthrough the billing system included in the HLR's 330 network. Based onthe learned routing function, the HLR 330 can automatically modify itsrouting of subsequent messages. For example, the HLR 330 can learnrouting by monitoring the addresses of messages received from thebilling system 325, including the MSCID and billing system point code.The STP 320, billing system 325, and HLR 330 included in the homenetwork 315 can be configured to communicate with one another directlyand/or indirectly through the exchange of one or more messages. The homenetwork 315 further can include additional equipment and data necessaryto provide telecommunication services.

When the mobile device 305 roams into the coverage area served by theswitch 310, the switch 310 can communicate with the home network 315 todetermine whether service can be provided to the mobile device 305. FIG.4 shows an exemplary flowchart for registering a mobile device 305corresponding to a roaming subscriber on a roaming partner switch 310.The registration process can be implemented without requiring theroaming partner to change any settings on their own network equipmentonce standard roaming services have been configured. For example, theroaming partner can continue to address to the HLR 330 any messagetraffic corresponding to the roaming subscriber. The modifications tomessage routing can be performed solely on the home network equipmentoperated by the home wireless service provider, such as the STP 320, HLR330, and billing system 325. Thus, unlimited roaming service can beprovided in a roaming partner coverage area without the roaming partnerbeing required to change any equipment settings or make anyconfiguration changes. Further, determining whether to provide a roamingsubscriber with unlimited roaming service can be performed withoutadding additional switching resources to the home network 315.

A mobile device 305 associated with a subscriber can enter a geographicregion (or coverage area) in which service is available only through aprovider with which the subscriber does not have an account. The mobiledevice 305 can be powered on when it enters the roaming region orsubsequent to entering the roaming region. Once outside of its homeservice area, the mobile device 305 can be operated in a roaming mode.The mobile device 305 can communicate with a switch serving thegeographic region, which can be operated by a roaming partner of thehome wireless service provider (405). For example, the mobile device 305can provide one or more items of information to the roaming partnerswitch 310 during registration, including a mobile identity number (MIN)and an electronic serial number (ESN).

The roaming partner switch 310 can communicate with the mobile devicesubscriber's home service provider (410). For example, the roamingpartner switch 310 can generate a registration invoke (REGNOT) to thesubscriber's home network 315 HLR 330, requesting approval to provideservice to the mobile device 305. The REGNOT can include one or moreitems of information that can be used to validate the mobile device 305,including the MIN and ESN. The REGNOT also can include one or more itemsof information associated with the roaming partner switch 310, includingthe mobile switching center identification number (MSCID), the pointcode of the roaming partner switch 310, and information describing oneor more capabilities of the switch 310. Further, the REGNOT can includea Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP) transactionidentifier, which can be used to identify a subsequent response to therequest received by the roaming partner switch 310.

The REGNOT transmitted by the roaming partner switch 310 can be receivedby the home network 315 and directed to a billing system 325 (415). Thehome network 315 STP 320 can examine the REGNOT to determine whether itwas received from a roaming partner. For example, the STP 320 can accessthe originating point code included in the REGNOT and determine whetherthe point code corresponds to a roaming partner switch 310. Further, theSTP 320 can forward the REGNOT to the billing system 325. For example,the STP 320 can implement a form of Method Transfer Protocol (MTP)Origination Based Routing, which routes messages at least partiallybased on an address corresponding to the originating device. The REGNOTfurther can be routed to the billing system 325 without altering themessage content or addressing information. For example, the STP 320 canroute the REGNOT to the billing system 325 over a physical link.

The billing system 325 can determine whether the roaming partner switch310 from which the REGNOT was received supports providing unlimitedroaming service (420). For example, the billing system 325 can beconfigured to access a database that includes information about aplurality of switches, including roaming partner switches 310. Theswitches 310 can be uniquely identified in the database, such as by theMSCID. The database can be stored local to the billing system 325 or canbe accessible on a remote system via a communications connection. Arecord corresponding to the roaming partner switch 310 can be accessedand an attribute value, such as an unlimited roaming service identifier,can be retrieved to determine whether the roaming partner switch 310supports providing unlimited roaming service. Further, unless locked,the attribute value can be changed to enable providing unlimited roamingservice through the corresponding switch 310.

The billing system 325 also can forward the REGNOT to the HLR 330 (425).The billing system 325 can alter the addressing information of theREGNOT to simulate a REGNOT message transmitted to the HLR 330 from thebilling system 325. The billing system 325 also can generate a new TCAPtransaction identifier for the REGNOT. The HLR 330 can register thesubscriber as home or roam, and can respond to the billing system 325(430). The HLR 330 can evaluate one or more criteria in determining howto register the subscriber with respect to the roaming partner switch310. For example, the HLR 330 can determine whether to register asubscriber as home or roam based on a home region parameter settingassociated with the roaming partner switch 310, such as a home regionparameter specified in the MDF corresponding to the roaming partnerswitch 310.

The HLR 330 also can determine whether to classify a subscriber as homeor roam based on one or more subscriber-level values. For example, thesubscriber's home region parameter can be accessed to determine whetherthe subscriber's home market coincides with that of the roaming partnerswitch 310 on which the subscriber is being registered. One or moreother parameters associated with the subscriber also can be used inmaking the home or roam classification, including the subscriber'sservice plan and the subscriber's billing plan.

Further, the HLR 330 can respond to the billing system 325 to identifyhow the subscriber is registered. For example, the HLR 330 can transmita reply message to the billing system 325, such as a registration returnresult message, that includes an origination indicator valuecorresponding to a specific type of registration. In someimplementations, if the HLR 330 registers the subscriber as a roamingsubscriber (or roam), the reply message can include an originationindicator value equal to 8. The reply message also can include anassociated toll free number, such as an 800 number, to which callsplaced by the roaming subscriber are to be routed. The billing system325 can be configured to interpret these characteristics to determinethat the subscriber is to be treated as a roaming subscriber and shouldbe charged on a roaming basis for incoming and outgoing calls routedthrough the roaming partner switch 310.

Alternatively, if the HLR 330 registers the subscriber as a homesubscriber, the reply message can include an origination indicator witha value that is not equal to 8. The assigned origination indicator valuefurther can identify a predetermined level of service. For example, anorigination indicator equal to 6 can indicate that the subscriber'sservice plan does not include domestic long distance, an originationindicator equal to 13 can indicate that the subscriber's service planincludes unlimited domestic long distance, and an origination indicatorequal to 23 can indicate that the subscriber's service plan includesunlimited domestic long distance and unlimited directory assistance.Thus, the HLR 330 notifies the billing system 325 of the level ofservice corresponding to the roaming subscriber. The originationindicators are provided as examples. Different meanings can be assignedto the origination indicator values in other implementations anddifferent indicators can be used in the reply message.

The billing system 325 can then determine whether the subscriber iseligible to receive unlimited roaming service (435). The billing system325 can determine whether to provide unlimited roaming service to thesubscriber based on a plurality of factors, including the attributevalue, such as the unlimited roaming service identifier, that indicateswhether unlimited roaming service is permitted on the roaming partnerswitch and the value of the origination indicator received from the HLR330. If the subscriber is eligible to receive unlimited roaming serviceon the roaming partner switch 310, the billing system 325 can beconfigured to treat the subscriber as an unlimited roaming subscriber(440). For example, the billing system 325 can generate an entrycorresponding to the subscriber in a database, indicating that thesubscriber is to receive unlimited roaming service. Thus, thesubscriber's customer experience on the roaming partner switch 310 willapproximate the customer experience in a home service area. Thesubscriber, e.g., can be permitted to access provider-sponsoreddirectory assistance and utilize provider-based services, such asaccount management and customer service. Further, announcements andmessages typically presented to a subscriber accessing service in aroaming area can be suppressed in an unlimited roaming area.Verification measures implemented to authorize service in roaming areas,such as account balance inquiries, also can be suspended. Thepresentation of one or more roaming indicators, such as a visualindicator displayed on the screen of a mobile device, also can be turnedoff in an unlimited roaming area. Additionally, the subscriber will bebilled as though service was being accessed in a home service area. Insome implementations, unlimited service can be limited to voice service.In some other implementations, unlimited service can include voiceservice, text service, data service, or any combination thereof.

If the subscriber is not eligible to receive unlimited roaming serviceon the roaming partner switch 310, for any reason, the billing system325 can be configured to treat the subscriber as a standard roamingsubscriber (445). For example, the billing system 325 can generate anentry corresponding to the subscriber in a database, indicating that thesubscriber is to receive standard roaming service. Thus, the roamingsubscriber can be billed air time charges for every incoming andoutgoing call routed through the roaming partner switch 310. Further,services and tools provided in home service areas, such as directoryassistance and account management, can be blocked during standardroaming.

Additionally, the billing system 325 can generate and transmit aresponse to the roaming partner switch 310 (450). The response indicatesto the roaming partner switch 310 how call events originated by theroaming subscriber are to be managed. Because the distinction betweenroaming subscribers registered as home and roaming subscribersregistered as roam is managed by the billing system 325, the sameresponse can be sent to the roaming partner switch 310 for both types ofregistration. For example, the billing system 325 can respond to theroaming partner switch 310 with a message that specifies an originationindicator equal to 6 and has the origination request trigger armed forall roaming registrations.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary flowchart for a call event initiated by aroaming subscriber. A roaming subscriber can initiate a telephone callfrom a mobile device 305 through a roaming partner switch 310 (505). Forexample, the mobile device 305 can transmit a dialed telephone number tothe roaming partner switch 310. In response to receiving the dialedtelephone number, the roaming partner switch 310 can generate anorigination request message to the subscriber's home wireless serviceprovider (510). For example, the roaming partner switch 310 can accessits VLR, which identifies the home service provider HLR 330 to which theorigination request message is to be sent. The origination requestmessage can include the subscriber's mobile number (MDN) and the dialedtelephone number indicating the called party. Once generated, theroaming partner switch 310 can transmit the origination request messageto the home service provider HLR 330. For example, the originationrequest message can be addressed to the HLR 330 point code of the homeservice provider.

The home service provider STP 320 can receive the origination requestmessage and forward the message to the billing system 325 (515). Forexample, the STP 320 can access the addressing information correspondingto the origination request message to identify its source. Upondetermining that the message was received from a roaming partner switch310, the STP 320 can redirect the origination request message to thebilling system 325 based on predetermined routing rules. The billingsystem 325 can retrieve the dialed telephone number from the originationrequest message and store the number, such as in a database entryassociated with the subscriber. For example, the billing system 325 canstore the MDN included in the origination request message in combinationwith the MIN of the mobile device 305 initiating the telephone call.

Further, the billing system 325 can process the origination requestmessage and transmit instructions to the roaming partner switch 310(520). For example, the billing system 325 can generate a reply to theorigination request instructing the roaming partner switch 310 to routethe call to a number other than the dialed telephone number, such as atoll-free number associated with the home network 315. In someimplementations, the substitute telephone number can be a singletelephone number used to route all roaming calls placed by mobilesubscribers. The roaming partner switch 310 can use the instructionstransmitted by the billing system 325 to route the call to thesubstitute telephone number (525). The telephone call can be routed overthe public switched telephone network (PSTN). Upon receiving thetelephone call from the roaming partner switch 310, the home network 315can route the call setup information to the billing system 325 (530).

The billing system 325 evaluates the call to determine whether unlimitedroaming service is to be provided to the roaming subscriber (535). Forexample, the billing system 325 can retrieve a previously recordeddatabase entry corresponding to the subscriber that indicates whetherunlimited roaming service is to be provided. If unlimited roamingservice is not to be provided, the call can be processed as a standardroaming call (540). The billing system 325 can replace the toll-freenumber used by the roaming partner switch 310 with the dialed telephonenumber. For example, the billing system 325 can match the subscriber'sMDN included with the call setup information to the MINI and MDNpreviously stored. The billing system 325 also can prepare to route thecall. For example, an announcement can be presented informing thesubscriber that the call will be billed. The billing system 325 also canperform one or more verification measures before authorizing the call,such as verifying that the subscriber's account balance is sufficient toconnect the call. Further, during the call, the billing system 325 canapply charges, such as air time and long distance charges, to thesubscriber's account and can cut-off the call if the subscriber'saccount drops below a predetermined balance.

Alternatively, if unlimited roaming service is to be provided, the callcan be processed as an unlimited roaming service call (545). The billingsystem 325 can replace the toll-free number used by the roaming partnerswitch 310 with the dialed telephone number, such as by matching thesubscriber's MDN to the previously stored MIN and MDN. The billingsystem 325 also can prepare to route the call. For example, the billingsystem 325 can determine not to present a roaming announcement. Thebilling system 325 also can forego any billing measures for the call.Additionally, the billing system 325 can suspend both pre-connectionverification measures and balance monitoring during the call. Once thebilling system 325 has processed the call, it can be routed to thecalled party (550). For example, the call can be routed through a VoiceOver Internet Protocol (VoIP) switch associated with the home wirelessservice provider's home network 315.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary flowchart for configuring an unlimited roamingservice area in a geographic region. The geographic region can becovered by one or more roaming service areas associated with one or moreroaming partners of a home wireless service provider. In someimplementations, the geographic region also can include one or more homeservice areas associated with the home wireless service provider. Forexample, the geographic region can be partially covered by home serviceareas and one or more unlimited roaming service areas can be configuredto provide additional coverage areas or capacity.

Further, the unlimited service area can be made accessible to allsubscribers or any subset of subscribers of the home wireless serviceprovider. For example, the home wireless service provider can establisha virtual home service area in a particular geographic region byconfiguring a number of roaming partner switches 310 in that region toprovide unlimited roaming service. In some implementations, the virtualhome service area can be used to expand the home wireless serviceprovider's home network 315 into a new geographic region, eitherindefinitely or for a limited period of time. Thus, subscribers whosehome market corresponds to the virtual home service area can be providedwith unlimited roaming service that provides the same customerexperience and billing as an actual home service area. Further, asubscriber whose home market does not correspond to the virtual homeservice area can be treated as a standard roaming subscriber. In anotherexample, a geographic region in which a special event occurs, such as agame or a convention, can be configured as an unlimited roaming servicearea for all subscribers during the period of the event. Thus, allsubscribers of the home wireless service provider can be provided withunlimited roaming service in the geographic region corresponding to theevent for the duration of the event, such as a day, a weekend, or aweek.

A geographic region can be selected in which the unlimited roamingservice is to be provided (605). The home wireless service provider candetermine the geographic region in which the unlimited roaming servicearea is to be established. For example, if a virtual home service areais being configured to provide the home wireless service provider with ahome network 315 presence in a city, a geographic region that generallycorresponds to the city boundaries can be selected. The geographicregion can have any shape and dimensions. Further, one or more roamingpartner switches 310 covering the selected geographic region can beidentified (610). The one or more roaming partner switches 310 can beidentified based on their coverage areas within the selected geographicregion. Also, the identified switches 310 can be associated with one ormore roaming partners. For example, if Boulder, Colo. is selected as thegeographic region, switches 310 associated with one or more roamingpartners can be identified to provide full coverage within the Boulderregion.

The billing system 325 can be configured to permit unlimited roamingservice on the identified roaming partner switches 310 (615). Forexample, the billing system 325 can access a database hostinginformation about a plurality of switches, including roaming partnerswitches 310, to determine whether unlimited roaming service can beprovided on a particular roaming partner switch 310. Each switch 310 canbe described by a unique switch identifier, such as an MSCID. If anidentified roaming partner switch 310 is not already configured topermit unlimited roaming service, a corresponding attribute value can beset to authorize unlimited roaming service on that switch 310. In someimplementations, if the selected roaming partner switch 310 is nottechnically compatible with the provision of unlimited roaming service,the attribute value can be locked to prevent change.

Further, the home wireless service provider can determine whether allsubscribers should be given access to the unlimited roaming service(620). For example, it can be determined that all subscribers are to begiven unlimited roaming service on a roaming partner switch 310 for anevent. However, it can be determined that only certain subscribers areto be given unlimited roaming service in a virtual home service area. Ifall subscribers are not to be given access to the unlimited roamingservice, one or more subscriber level parameters can be specified on theHLR 330 (625). Thus, the HLR 330 can be configured to base the home orroam registration determination, at least in part, on one or moresubscriber level parameters. For example, the HLR 330 can be configuredto evaluate any information associated with a subscriber, including thesubscriber's home region parameter, service plan, and billing plan. If asubscriber level parameter does not match the criteria for a homeregistration, the subscriber can be registered by the HLR 330 as roaming(or roam).

One or more switch level parameters can be configured on the HLR 330 ifall subscribers are to be given access to the unlimited roaming serviceor in addition to specifying subscriber level parameters (630). Theswitch level parameters can include a home region parameter settingassociated with each identified roaming partner switch 310. For example,a MDF can include one or more home region parameters that are allocatedas home regions for the roaming partner switch 310. A home regionparameter in the MDF can be modified to indicate that subscribers of thehome wireless service provider who are roaming on that roaming partnerswitch 310 are to be registered as home users and thus provided withunlimited roaming service for the duration of the registration. In someimplementations, one or more other switch level parameters also can beconfigured on the HLR 330.

In some implementations, the configuration changes to the billing system325 and HLR 330 can be made in real-time. Thus, unlimited roamingservice can be turned on or off with respect to a roaming partner switch310 in the time required to configure the billing system 325 and the HLR330. In some other implementations, date and time parameters associatedwith turning the unlimited roaming service on and/or off also can bespecified. Thus, the configuration changes associated with unlimitedroaming service for a roaming partner switch 330 can be automaticallyimplemented at the specified time.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary flowchart for a method of enabling unlimitedroaming service on a roaming partner switch 310. A billing system 325corresponding to a home wireless service provider can be configured toauthorize a subscriber device to receive unlimited roaming service on aroaming partner switch 310 (705). A registration request identifying thesubscriber device can be received by the home wireless service providerfrom the roaming partner switch 310 (710). The subscriber device can beregistered in the billing system 325 as an unlimited roaming servicesubscriber device (715). Once the subscriber device has been registeredin the billing system 325, unlimited roaming service can be provided tothe subscriber device (720).

The techniques and functional operations described in this disclosurecan be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computersoftware, firmware, or hardware, including the structural meansdescribed in this disclosure and structural equivalents thereof, or incombinations of them. The techniques can be implemented using one ormore computer program products, e.g., machine-readable instructionstangibly stored on computer-readable media, for execution by, or tocontrol the operation of one or more programmable processors orcomputers.

The processes and logic flows described in this disclosure can beperformed by one or more programmable processors executing one or moreinstructions to receive, manipulate, and/or output data. The processesand logic flows also can be performed by programmable logic circuitry,including one or more FPGAs (field programmable gate array), PLDs(programmable logic devices), and/or ASICs (application-specificintegrated circuit). General and/or special purpose processors,including processors of any kind of digital computer, can be used toexecute computer programs and other programmed instructions stored incomputer-readable media, including nonvolatile memory, such as read-onlymemory, volatile memory, such as random access memory, or both.Additionally, data and computer programs can be received from andtransferred to one or more mass storage devices, including hard drives,flash drives, and optical storage devices. Further, general and specialpurpose computing devices and storage devices can be interconnectedthrough communications networks.

A number of implementations have been disclosed herein. Nevertheless, itwill be understood that various modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the claims. Accordingly, otherimplementations are within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of enabling unlimited roaming service, the method comprising: receiving, by a home wireless service provider, a registration request from a roaming service provider identifying a subscriber device; enabling receipt of the unlimited roaming service to the subscriber device on the roaming service provider based on authorization by the home wireless service provider, wherein a subscriber associated with the subscriber device is not required to have an account with the roaming service provider in order to receive the unlimited roaming service; and registering the subscriber device as a home subscriber device in a home location register associated with the home wireless service provider based on a determination of one or more subscriber-level values associated with the subscriber, wherein the subscriber device is registered with the roaming service provider as a home subscriber device based on the authorization of the unlimited roaming service.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein registering the subscriber device as a home subscriber device comprises determining whether a home market of the subscriber corresponds with the roaming service provider.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more subscriber-level values include at least one of a service plan of the subscriber or a billing plan of the subscriber.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising causing transmission, by the home location register, that the subscriber device has been registered as a home subscriber device.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving, from the roaming service provider, a call request associated with the subscriber device; and suspending billing associated with the call request.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein suspending billing further comprises suppressing a pre-call announcement associated with standard roaming service.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein suspending billing further comprises suspending an account balance verification.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by the home wireless service provider, a registration request from the roaming service provider identifying a second subscriber device; determining, based on a billing system configuration, that the second subscriber device is not authorized to receive unlimited roaming service on a roaming partner switch; and processing the registration request from the roaming service provider identifying the second subscriber device to provide standard roaming service to the second subscriber device.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising registering the subscriber device in a billing system as an unlimited roaming service subscriber device, wherein registering the subscriber device in the billing system is performed in real-time.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising restricting the unlimited roaming service provided to the subscriber device to a subscribed level of service.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the subscribed level of service includes unlimited voice service.
 12. A system comprising: a home wireless service provider that includes a billing system and a home location register, wherein the home wireless service provider includes processor electronics and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor electronics, cause the processor electronics to perform operations comprising: authorizing, in the billing system, a requesting subscriber device to receive unlimited roaming service on one or more roaming service providers, wherein the requesting subscriber device is associated with the one or more roaming service providers as a home subscriber device based on a received authorization; registering, in response to receiving a registration request identifying the requesting subscriber device from the one or more roaming service providers, the requesting subscriber device in the home location register as a home subscriber device and in the billing system as an unlimited roaming service subscriber device, wherein the home location register is configured to determine one or more subscriber-level values associated with a subscriber; and enabling provision of the unlimited roaming service to the requesting subscriber device on the one or more roaming service providers, wherein the subscriber associated with the requesting subscriber device is not required to have an account with the one or more roaming service providers in order to receive the unlimited roaming service.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein registering the requesting subscriber device in the home location register and in the billing system comprises determining whether a home market of the subscriber corresponds with the one or more roaming service providers.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the one or more subscriber-level values include at least one of a service plan associated with the subscriber or a billing plan associated with the subscriber.
 15. The system of claim 12, wherein the home location register is configured to transmit a message to the billing system, the message indicating that the requesting subscriber device has been registered as a home subscriber device.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving, from a roaming partner switch, a call request associated with the requesting subscriber device; and suspending billing associated with the call request.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the operations further comprise suppressing a pre-call announcement associated with standard roaming service.
 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the operations further comprise suspending an account balance verification.
 19. The system of claim 12, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving a registration request from a roaming partner switch identifying a second subscriber device associated with the home wireless service provider; determining, based on a billing system configuration, that the second subscriber device is not authorized to receive the unlimited roaming service on the roaming partner switch; and providing standard roaming service to the second subscriber device.
 20. The system of claim 12, wherein the operations further comprise registering the requesting subscriber device in the billing system in real-time.
 21. The system of claim 12, wherein the operations further comprise restricting the unlimited roaming service enabled for the requesting subscriber device to a subscribed level of service.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the subscribed level of service includes unlimited voice service.
 23. A method of enabling unlimited roaming service on a roaming partner switch, the method comprising: receiving, by a home wireless service provider, a registration request from a roaming subscriber device on a roaming wireless network; determining that the roaming subscriber device is eligible to receive the unlimited roaming service based at least in part on a determination that the roaming subscriber device corresponds to a home subscriber device on a home wireless network provided by the home wireless service provider; and facilitating the unlimited roaming service to the roaming subscriber device by a roaming service provider, wherein a subscriber associated with the roaming subscriber device is not required to have an account with the roaming service provider in order to receive the unlimited roaming service and wherein the roaming subscriber device is associated with the roaming service provider as a home subscriber device on the roaming wireless network based on an authorization generated by the home wireless service provider, wherein the authorization generated by the home wireless service provider is based on a determination of one or more subscriber-level values associated with the subscriber.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the authorization generated by the home wireless service provider is based on a determination whether a home market of the subscriber corresponds with the roaming partner switch.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the one or more subscriber-level values include at least one of the subscriber's a service plan of the subscriber or a billing plan of the subscriber.
 26. The method of claim 23, further comprising: receiving, from the roaming partner switch, a call request associated with the roaming subscriber device; and suspending billing associated with the call request.
 27. The method of claim 23, further comprising: receiving, from the roaming partner switch, a call request associated with the roaming subscriber device; and causing routing of the call request to a substitute number.
 28. The method of claim 23, further comprising: receiving from the roaming partner switch a call request associated with the roaming subscriber device; and authorizing the call request based on verification of an account of the subscriber.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein authorizing the call request comprises applying charges to the account of the subscriber if the account is not verified.
 30. The method of claim 28, wherein authorizing the call request comprises cutting off the call request if the account of the subscriber is not verified. 